An Arizona-based food, beverage and travel writer since 2008, I launched this website in 2015 to document my culinary adventures, beverage escapades, gardening endeavors, and travel in the Phoenix area and beyond. Also find a comprehensive calendar of Phoenix-area food and drink-related events on my Events page.

Space is limited for this event. Welcome reception is 6:30 pm. You'll get to mingle with World Food Champions while enjoying a complimentary beer and snacks and watch a LIVE culinary showdown between Chef Anthony Serrano and Chef Tommy D'Ambrosio. Tickets are $55 and available at EventBrite.

Liberty Station and Pedal Haus Brewing Company Pair Up for Six-Course Brew and BBQ Dinner on March 20. Seating is $55 per person. Call for reservations at 480-595-9930 or online at www.libertystationtavern.com

Join Wright's at the Biltmore for the 27th season of the Winemaker Dinner, an epicurean adventure series combining innovative gourmet dining and acclaimed wines. In addition to the carefully paired menus, a representative from each featured winery will share the tales of harvesting the most celebrated wines.

Reception begins at 6:30pm followed by a four course dinner at 7:00pm. $120 per person. Tax and 18% gratuity will be added.

Discounted room rates are available over winemaker dinner weekends via this link

The first-ever Innings Festival is set to take place March 23-25, 2018 at Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park in Tempe, AZ. The three-day event will feature performances from 36 artists on three stages, culinary demos, as well as curated food vendors, fun family activations and appearances by professional baseball players. The festival hours are 3pm-12am on Friday & Saturday and 1:30pm-10:30pm on Sunday. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link: https://www.inningsfestival.com/

Burger Battle presented by the Scottsdale League for the Arts returns on Friday, March 23. Presented by Budweiser, hungry patrons will enjoy tasting mouthwatering burger creations to vote for the People’s Choice Award. A panel of culinary experts will select the Judge’s Choice Award winner and two lucky chefs will compete in the World Food Championships.

General Admission tickets are $65 during presale ($75 at the door.) VIP Admission is $85. This is a 21+ event, only. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: http://scottsdalefest.org.

The 5th annual Italian Festival brings Italian culture, food, fashion and more to Scottsdale for its biggest year yet. Sponsored by The City of Scottsdale and hosted by the Italian Association of Arizona, a local 501c(3) non-profit, this two-day celebration is on Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25, 2018. The event features everything from live music to unique, hand-crafted Italian items. There will be wine tastings, authentic Italian cuisine and performing artists from Italy. COST: $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Buy tickets here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3073568

The fifth annual Flavors of the West returns to Litchfield Park.More than 30 restaurants are expected to pack the block of Old Litchfield Rd., serving delicious samples featuring everything from seafood to Asian cuisine. In addition, there will be a Beer Garden, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, and an interactive Action Zone.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.FlavorsAZ.com. Early bird admission to the event is $35 through March 15 and includes unlimited food and five drink tickets. Early bird VIP tickets are $75 through March 15 and include early entrance to the event (11am) and access to the exclusive VIP Garden. Inside, there is an extended bar stocked with spirits, live dueling piano show, shaded seating, exclusive dessert bar and signature gift. Kids 12 and under are FREE accompanied by an adult with their ticket.

Professionally produced by HDE Agency, the 9th annual Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival returns to downtown Chandler on Saturday, March 24, 2018 and will feature more than 40 BBQ Pitmasters from local, regional and national restaurants and BBQ competition teams. beer, wine and spirit selections.

New and improved experience this year include two added stages, live cooking demos, art installations, themed bars with interactive games, creative cocktails, mechanical bull riding competition, local community entertainment, eating competition, march madness lounge, expanded kids zone, and the return of the Corral zone and VIP area for country music fans and guests looking to elevate their festival experience.

TICKETING OPTIONS start at $15 for Early Bird tickets GA, discount tickets for Veterans and Military, and VIP tickets $75-$175 www.chandlerbbq.comKids 12 and under free.

Join La Hacienda at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for the standoff of the century when their very own Tequila Goddess, Katie Schnurr, faces off against special guest bartenders and their signature Cazadores tequila cocktails. Enjoy a tequila tasting, cocktails, live music, and tapas-style appetizers from Chef Forest Hamrick.

Tickets to this ultimate tequila showdown may be purchased for $55 per person (does not include tax and gratuity). Call 480.585.2694 for reservations.

On March 26, explore the wines of Rombauer Vineyards, founded in 1980 by the Rombauer family and known for its distinctive, fruit-driven wines. The dinner kicks off with roasted baby beets and citrus mosaic, followed by candied slab baker's bacon, bacon-wrapped filet of beef, and black forest éclair with cherry foam and dark chocolate ganache.

Emulsion is a culinary collaboration brought to you by the talented culinary team of Peter McQuaid, David Brito, and Sheila Mae Rendon introducing you to a dining experience unlike any other.

On March 26, Emulsion Popup: Global Innovation will take you through a 6-course tasting menu paired with fine wine, inspired by the places that have brought the culinary world into shining light. Held at Barrio Cafe Gran Reserva by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, you will see dishes influenced by culinary capitals such as New York City, Chicago, Napa Valley, Tokyo, Paris, and Barcelona. Each course will correspond with the culinary legends in each city. With wines from James V. Monaci of MontiEnoteca, you will be in for an amazing evening. Let us take you on a culinary tour around the world. $85 per person. To purchase tickets, go to EventBrite. For more information visit www.emulsionpopup.com.

In honor of their third year in business, Sorso Wine Room at the Scottsdale Quarter announces three days of specials! On Monday, April 2, guests can enjoy all day happy hour prices on both food and drink. As part of Arizona Gives Day on Tuesday, April 3, Sorso is donating 10% of all its sales to Chrysalis and Crowns of Courage, both local non-profit organizations. To cap off the three-day celebration, on Wednesday, April 4, diners can enjoy $3 off all items on the food and drink menu, music, prizes and more.

Enjoy a "wine-inspired" vineyard to table three-course supper paired with LDV wines with LDV owners serving as your hosts. The Supper Club is reminiscent of the wonderful evenings when we took the time to invite new and old friends over for a great meal where we laughed, exchanged viewpoints, told stories, and slowed down enough to enjoy each others company. Come for supper with Peggy & Curt at LDV Winery.

6:00 PM

$65.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity)

Registration required; limit to 20 people maximium.

Call 480.664.4822 or 602.320.1485 to make reservations. Requires 48 hr. notice for full refund cancellations.

For a Write On Rubee recap and photos of a past event, visit this link.

Join renowned Executive Chef Alex Stratta for a series of cooking classes at Match: Restaurant & Lounge at downtown's FOUND:RE hotel. Each class is limited to 16 people and includes one welcome reception beverage. Cost: $50 per person (plus tax/gratuity). Time: 10 am to 12:30 pm.

Saturday, April 7th: What do I like to cook? Well, that depends; what did you find? Improv with Chef Stratta: Be open, and dare to improvise: cooking inspired by what’s at the market

Be the first to dine in the beautiful Soil & Seed Garden at The Farm during a multi-course culinary experience curated by Chef Dustin Christofolo of Quiessence with wine pairings from Arizona's award winning Dos Cabezas WineWorks. Lead grower, Billy Anthony, will tour and educate the pop-up guests on all of the unique and seasonal varietals that Soil & Seed Garden is currently growing. $60++ per person. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit EventBrite.

From 4 pm to close, Market Street Kitchen's Tiki Thursdays features a cocktail menu overflowing with Tiki twists on MSK's award-winning craft cocktails, served inside festive Tiki mugs and garnished with gummy sharks, festive mini umbrellas and colorful fresh fruit and herbs. Taking place on the second Thursday of every month, each event will feature a special guest bartender.

Enjoy an intimate evening with three of Arizona’s most celebrated culinary and musical artists: Sam Pillsbury, Esteban and Executive Chef Jeremy Pacheco. Sam Pillsbury will kick off the evening with an exclusive tasting of his Double Gold and Gold Medal Pillsbury Wines. Nouveau-flamenco guitarist extraordinaire, Esteban, will perform a 45-minute concert with his violinist daughter, Teresa Joy, while guests enjoy a savory selection of tapas prepared by Executive Chef Jeremy Pacheco that will pair perfectly with the Pillsbury Wines. A question and answer session with Esteban concludes the evening, allowing guests the opportunity to create conversation and memories with this musician who only needs one name. Cost:$75 plus tax and service charge. Call 602.955.7878 for reservations.

Kicking off the Scottsdale Culinary Festival weekend is The Cocktail Society, where guests will enjoy an exclusive night of cocktails, whimsical entertainment and elegant tastings. Enjoy live music, local restaurants and show-stopping performances including aerial and flair bartending, balancing acts, magicians, and edible sensory experiences.

Ttickets are all inclusive with food, beverages and entertainment for $85 each during online presale and $100 at the door. This is a 21+ over event. For tickets and more information, visit: www.scottsdalefest.org.

Arizona’s tastiest fundraiser, Scottsdale Culinary Festival, is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Saturday, April 14 – Sunday, April 15, 2018. Hosted by the Scottsdale League for the Arts, this year’s celebration will be the biggest and best yet with a robust array of 40 local restaurants and 20 national and local bands across four stages. Other top highlights include VIP quarters, a teen cooking challenge, chef demos, family zone, Four Peak’s beer garden, Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stardust Lounge and Hensley’s Liquid Arizona – a lounge packed with local beer, wine, spirits and entertainment. This year’s national headliner will be Everclear, performing live on Saturday, April 14th.

Ready to sip and sample your way through more than 150 cocktails at the 5th annual Chandler Craft Spirits Festival? ChandlerCraftSpiritsFestival.com Make your way to Downtown Chandler's Dr. AJ Park for a full-scale celebration and salute to the state and region's lively spirits scene. Get your $25 GA ticket before their prices go up! VIP tickets are $75. Designated driver passes are $8. A portion of event proceeds will benefit the Matthew's Crossing Food Bank in Chandler. To purchase tickets, visit this link: TICKETS

Join Lon's at The Hermosa for a Spring Harvest Dinner as Executive Chef Jeremy Pacheco and his culinary team welcome Sam Pillsbury and Bob McClendon of McClendon's Select Organic Farm. A celebration of Arizona farming serves as the inspiration for this five-course meal which will be paired with wines from Pillsbury Wine Company. Cost $99/person plus tax and service charge. For reservations, please call LON's at 602.955.7878

The longtime local charity, The Joy Bus is pleased to present the Prom Night Gala. Each chef will prepare a custom course paired with craft beer and fine wines. Guests will be able to socialize with the chefs while browsing exciting silent auction items and learning more about the amazing work The Joy Bus does in the community.

Tickets to The Joy Bus' Prom Night Gala are $92.78 and available here. Founded by Jennifer Caraway, The Joy Bus organization works to improve the lives of homebound cancer patients by providing personal attention, companionship, and education on the healing power of food. Plus, don't miss your chance to see Jennifer Caraway compete on the Food Network's "Chopped" TV show on March 27 at 10 pm, (additional info and show times).

Top off a week of culinary excitement with the festival’s grand finale — Best of the Fest. Amazing restaurants will create unique, five-course, wine-paired dinners crafted table-side by the chef. Each chef will serve two tables, decorating the setting to capture the essence of their cuisine and restaurant. Best of the Fest is the perfect way to end the Scottsdale Culinary Festival Weekend with a top-shelf Arizonan culinary experience.

Tickets are $175 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link.

For four days in April, Scottsdale will be heaven for fine food aficionados with Nirvana, a culinary festival hosted by Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa. This all-star culinary event will evoke “a flavorful state of mind” as it brings together festival-goers with world-acclaimed chefs and winemakers for a series of tastings, special meals, and a celebrity golf tournament. Festival-goers can make it a vacation by reserving a casita, suite or private home at Sanctuary, one of the most celebrated resorts in the U.S.

Celebrating the canned craft beer revolution, the 8th annual ameriCAN Canned Craft Beer Fest is set to return on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 3-7 p.m. Featuring more than 250 canned craft beers from over 100 local and national breweries across 40 states. Located at the Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix, ameriCAN highlights include not only amazing canned beer, but also live music, food trucks, a beer science garden, canning seminars, beer Olympic games and a rare beer garden.

Tickets are $35 online during presale and $45 at the door. Admission includes entry at 3 p.m., a souvenir 4 oz. can and 20 beer samples from participating breweries. Designated driver tickets are also available for $20 and do not include any beer sampling, water and soft drinks will be provided. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit ww.cannedcraftbeerfest.com.

“Saved By The Bell” Look-a-Like Contest. Attendees are encouraged to impress “A.C. Slater” himself with costumes resembling characters from the show. Winners will receive tickets to screenings of “Extra TV,” “Ellen,” “Steve Harvey,” or other popular shows.

The Mansion VIP Tent. Enjoy the Kentucky Derby in a special Derby-themed VIP tent.

Vino Rosé Experience. A tasting pass is $20 for 8 samples.

Hopping Around Experience. Sample delicious craft beer, play a game of cornhole and take in the event from the Hopping Around tent. A tasting pass is $20 for 8 samples.

Live Entertainment. Attend a hilarious Cholofit Yoga class by comedian Franky Quinones. Plus, local musicians take the stage throughout the day culminating in a national music act hosted by actor, taco shop owner, and now donut impresario, Danny Trejo.

Kids Zone.

Tickets. Tickets on sale soon. General Admission is $20 online in advance, $30 at the gate. The Mansion VIP tickets are $100 online in advance and include 5 drink tickets, private bar, upgraded food available for purchase, lounge furniture and upgraded restrooms. VIP + Mario Meet-and-Greet tickets are $250 online in advance and include a Meet-and-Greet with Mario Lopez, complementary drinks and food, high end lounge furniture and upgraded restrooms. Kids 12 and under are free.

The Bacon and Beer Classic will be returning to Scottsdale Stadium on May 12th, 2018 and this year we will be partying on the field. The Classic will feature 30+ original bacon dishes from local chefs and 100+ craft beers from regional breweries, a blind beer taste test, the Hormel® bacon eating contest, lawn games, music, and more. GA tickets are $49 per person, with VIP tickets $89 per person. For more information, please visit www.baconandbeerclassic.com.

Join The Bee's Knees for a modern twist on tea time at The Camby. Spiked tea options include chilled tea-infused cocktails, hot tea-infused cocktails, tea-infused champagne cocktails, as well as straight tea and mocktails. The bites menu puts a twist on tea time favorites with finger sandwiches with herb ricotta & prosciutto, fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, and mango avocado crab salad sliders.

Each guest savors one of every dish from the prix-fix menu, a choice of tea cocktail served in a teapot and a finale of sweet treats. Tipsy Tea Party takes place every Friday and Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at The Bees Knees. For reservations, please contact: tipsyteaparty@thecamby.com or call calling 602-522-6655,

Ticket prices for the event range from $20-$30 for both Sat & Sun if you buy in advance. Kids under 12 get in free. Tickets are on sale now. VIP packages available. Visit vegoutevents.com for more information.

Join The Bee's Knees for a modern twist on tea time at The Camby. Spiked tea options include chilled tea-infused cocktails, hot tea-infused cocktails, tea-infused champagne cocktails, as well as straight tea and mocktails. The bites menu puts a twist on tea time favorites with finger sandwiches with herb ricotta & prosciutto, fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, and mango avocado crab salad sliders.

Each guest savors one of every dish from the prix-fix menu, a choice of tea cocktail served in a teapot and a finale of sweet treats. Tipsy Tea Party takes place every Friday and Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at The Bees Knees. For reservations, please contact: tipsyteaparty@thecamby.com or call calling 602-522-6655,

Our next Wine Cellar Series features Groth Vineyards. We are very excited to pair this with a four-course tasting menu that Chef Todd Allison has thoughtfully crafted. As you indulge in each course, the paired wine selections will be presented by Groth's very own Winemaker, Michael Weis. Purchase tickets at this link.

Scottsdale League for the Arts' touring Third Thursday Happy Hour makes a stop at the Mowry & Cotton at the Phoenician!

$5 donation at the door grants you access to gourmet appetizer bites and special happy-hour drink pricing. All door donations go directly into the Scottsdale League for The Arts' grant fund, which contributes to arts programs throughout our valley. scottsdalefest.org/thirdthursday

Scramble – A Breakfast & Lunch Joint is continuing its “Think Global — Eat Local” Junior Edition for 2018, quarterly cooking classes for youths ages 6 to 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on March 14. Executive Chef Mike Williams at Scramble Scottsdale will teach the hands-on classes; youths must be accompanied by an adult. MARCH 14 will feature cooking with eggs featuring Hickman’s Family Farms

Classes will be held at Scramble - A Breakfast Joint’s Scottsdale location only, at 6590 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. COST: $25; includes hands-on cooking class, eat what you cook and goodie bag. For more details and to register, visit www.azscramble.com

On Wednesday, March 14, from 2 p.m. to close, at all Fired Pie locations, any one-topping pizza is just $3.14 with purchase of a drink! This deal is not valid on third party delivery services.

The locally owned restaurant allows you to take on the role of chef by picking and choosing your own type of dough, sauce and topping. Fired Pie is open for lunch and dinner and offers something for every pizza lover every day of the week. Now with 17 locations in the Phoenix metro area, and two in Tucson, they are the perfect place to enjoy a warm slice of pizza! You can find a location nearest you by visiting Firedpie.com.

Enjoy an authentic taste of Texas with house-made Pecan Pie for just $3.14. Held every year on March 14 (aka 3/14), Pi Day is celebrated around the world in honor of the mathematics symbol used to represent a constant, and commonly approximated as 3.14159265359 ... (and so on).

A traditional Texas favorite (after all, pecan is the state tree), TEXAZ's Pecan Pie is house-baked in a flaky crust brimming with pecans and a touch of sweet corn syrup, plus a few secret special ingredients.

Join three-time World Series-winning Manager and Baseball Hall of Famer Tony La Russa alongside Major League Baseball’s biggest stars for Dinner of Champions. La Russa is best known for his tenures as manager of the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals, former front office manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks and now as vice president, special assistant to the president of baseball operations for the Boston Red Sox. Dinner of Champions benefits the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), a national leader in animal welfare. Guests will enjoy Steak 44’s five-star cuisine and complimentary bar, while visiting with La Russa, MLB celebrities, NFL players and coaches.

Visit www.steak44.com to get more information or call 602.271.4400 to make a reservation

Join Tarbell's on Tuesday, March 13 as they host a five-course dinner celebrating the agave spirits.s Cost is $85 per person (tax and gratuity not included) with limited seating. For reservations, call 602.955.8100

Get your tickets now to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience as legendary frontman, Steven Tyler, performs in front of special guests, celebrities and VIPs at Celebrity Fight NightonSaturday, March 10, 2018, hosted by Grammy Award-winning leading lady of country music Reba McEntire to support the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological Institute, as well as other charities. In addition, there will be a special presentation of the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Award by Lonnie Ali.

The action-packed evening will also be filled with live auction items. Sixteen time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, David Foster will return for his 19th year as Musical Director. Steven Tyler with his Nashville band, Loving Mary will be headlining the event that will also include Brian McKnight,Smokey Robinson, Kristin Chenoweth, Matteo Bocelli, The London Essentials and the 10-year-old America’s Got Talent rising star, Angelica Hale. Additional celebrities attending include Billy Crystal, Tom Chambers, Reggie Jackson, Gabby Giffords, Mark Kelly, Maria Shriver, Randy Jackson, Gina Lee Nolin, Melissa Peterman and Chris Rich.

Fom 2-6pm Macdonald Street, south of Main Street, will be filled with local breweries and eateries, live music and festival vendors from around the valley. Also enjoy live music, games and a cocktail lounge.

This festival is family and dog friendly and general admission is free. VIP tickets are $45 per person. Beer tickets are available for purchase at the event for $5 each for a full 12oz pour. Cash only. For more information, visit http://www.downtownmesa.com/brewfest/

On March 10 and 11, wine aficionados can celebrate Arizona’s oldest and original wine county — the American Viticultural Area (AVA) — at the two-day Arizona Wine Growers Festival held at Kief-Joshua Vineyards ln Elgin, Arizona.

From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day of the event, guests can sample varietals including new release tastings from 18 of Arizona’s top wineries, meet acclaimed winemakers, and enjoy four blues bands, food from Las Vigas Steak Ranch and Russell Compton Texas BBQ, as well as vendors and more.

Tickets are available at $25 per ticket via www.azgrapes.eventbrite.com, and include a souvenir wine glass, and 10 sampling tickets, with additional tickets available for purchase. Day-of tickets can be purchased upon entry for $30 each. For more details, call 520.455.5582 or email kjvineyards@gmail.com.

Join L'Auberge de Sedona as they celebrate International Women's Day on Thursday, March 8, with all proceeds benefitting Valley Verde Sanctuary. Their exclusive Pink Sedonarita, created by staff bartender Loreah Winlow, features premium Tequila Casa Dragones blanco, cranberry juice, fresh grapefruit juice, and a hibiscus salt rim. Stop by L'Auberge's creekside restaurants of Cress and Etch, or affiliate property 89Agavein uptown Sedona, to enjoy their refreshing ode to Sedona. This colorful libation will be offered all day at all three restaurants with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to the Verde Valley Sanctuary, an agency dedicated to the support of victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Join Geordie's at the Wrigley Mansion for a menu created by Chef Christopher Gross to pair with the wonderful wines from Grgich Hills. A special treat is a presentation from Ivo Jeramaz the winemaker and nephew of founder Mike Grgich. Cost: $125 per person. PLEASE CALL 602-955-4079 FOR RESERVATIONS

Seating is limited and must be be reserved in advance by calling 602-955-4079, or online. $75 per person + tax/gratuity.

This will be a four-course pop-up dinner hosted by Twisted Infusions benefitting www.thejoybus.org, a local nonprofit serving homebound cancer patients in our community by delivering fresh, healthful meals, a strong social support system, and essential nutrition education.

The two chefs that are kindly donating their time and talent are Kirsten Wabsis of Famished Events and Matthew Eck of 5th Floor Pop-Ups! Cost: $50 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this link.

Voila French Bistro, the husband and wife owned and run restaurant, is hosting a special dinner pairing French wines with signature French classics. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, each paired with wine, for $69/person. Executive Chef Jean-Christophe Gros has worked in restaurants in France for more than 30 years, several with Michelin stars. Please call 480.614.5600 for reservations.

Learn how to prepare, grill, and smoke fish. In this 4-hour class we will teach the most effective way to clean and prepare fish ad how to select the freshest fish. In addition, the participants will learn how to prepare and cook fish using 6 different but simple methods. They will also learn how to prepare side-dishes that works well with seafood. All recipes are described in detail in the recipe handout included in the class. Tickets are $65 per person and $110 a couple. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit this link.

The most anticipated culinary event in the region, Devour Culinary Classic brings together the culinary and beverage leaders that are establishing Arizona as a sought-after destination. An annually award-winning event, the Devour Culinary Classic has been named Best Southwestern Culinary Festival by the New York Times, Best Food Festival by Phoenix Magazine, Best Culinary Festival from the Phoenix New Times, and Best Food Event from azcentral.

This year, the Devour Culinary Classic finds a new home at the Desert Botanical Garden. Enjoy Arizona's best food and beverage amidst the beautiful backdrop of the largest botanical garden in the southwest.

Mark your calendars for Monday, November 13, when tickets for the Devour Culinary Classic will be available to the public! Tickets are $105 for the Tasting package, $155 for the Connoisseur package and $205 for the VIP package. https://classic.devourphoenix.com/tickets/

100% of all proceeds from the annual Devour Culinary Classic benefit the non-profit efforts of Local First Arizona, Desert Botanical Garden, and Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance. Tickets and information available at devourphoenix.com/classic.

Professionally produced by HDE Agency, the Rockin’ Taco Rumble is a taco competition spinoff from the Rockin’ Taco Street Fest held each fall in Downtown Chandler. Guests will enjoy tacos, local craft beer and spirits, live music and delicious desserts.

Presale admission tickets are $45 online and admission will be $55 at the door. Admission includes unlimited taco sampling, six drinks, and a vote for people’s choice best taco. Rockin’ Taco Rumble is a 21 + over event. In addition to the People’s Choice, there will also be a panel of local foodies, media and chefs casting a vote for their favorite tacos in the Judges Choice category. One winner in each category will take home a $500 cash prize, a trophy, and mad bragging rights!

Chefs interested in competing can contact events@hdeagency.com for information on how to sign up. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit online at: www.RockinTacoRumble.com.

East meets west, north, and south with this new Devour Phoenix event that celebrates the international flavors of Phoenix. Unwind in the serene Japanese Friendship Garden as you taste the multi-cultural cuisines from the regions of your favorite countries while listening to the music of world-renowned musical artist Ken Koshio. Visit this link to purchase tickets.

Join Cartwright's for their next Chef Collaboration Dinner as they feature a 5-course dinner welcoming Chef Judd Cummings of Kalm Family Farm and Arizona winemaker Sam Pillsbury of Pillsbury Wine in an ‘Homage to Arizona." This special dinner is $85 per person with wine pairings (plus tax and gratuity) and $65 pp without. Call 480-488-8031 to reserve your spot.

Join the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia for an exclusive one-of-a-kind experience. Prepared by Executive Chef Marcos Seville, each family-style dinner includes three courses artfully paired with libations from distinguished winemakers and distillers. Each event is set in Chef's Kitchen, an indoor/outdoor space featuring a 2,500 square-foot outdoor herb garden. Space is limited to 24 people. February 27 features Desert Botanical Inspired Cocktails

Kick off Devour Week and celebrate the best of local cocktail culture. Root for your favorite bartenders from the Devour Phoenix Coalition of restaurants as you sip on their competition creations. Facing a celebrity lineup of judges and armed with a selection of Arizona’s best locally distilled spirits, your favorite bartenders will be up on stage shaking it up to take the title as Arizona's Star Bartender. Judges will be Connor Mansager, 2017 Bartending Competition winner and head bartender at Welcome Diner Tucson; Michelle Jacoby, Bite Magazine; Vinnie Del Rosso, KEZ 99.9; Christina Barrueta of Write on Rubee; and Jake Friedman, Four Chambers, Piper Center for Creative Writing.

All proceeds from the event benefit the non-profit work of Local First Arizona Foundation. Tickets are $40 and include cocktail and spirit samples. To purchase tickets: Find Tickets

Local Chefs Jennifer Russo and David Duarte have come together to create a unique “space share” at The Market Restaurant + Bar. To celebrate this new concept, join them for a “Culinary Commencement” Dinner on Feb. 24.

Russo and Duarte will share the restaurant space with two distinctly different restaurants on varying nights. Russo’s “The Market Restaurant + Bar” will continue to serve a brunch, lunch and dinner menu, while Duarte’s “Finestre Modern Gastronomy” will serve dinner only Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Duarte’s menu will change seasonally and will be five, seven or nine courses with optional wine pairings. “It’s truly my honor to share the space at The Market with David. He’s a culinary genius and will offer a stellar menu that is sure to wow guests,” said Russo.

The “Culinary Commencement” Dinner offers diners a special six-course menu at $85/pp++. To RSVP, call 602-626-5050. More information can be found at themarketphx.com

At the Saturday Showdown: Beer vs. Wine Dinner enjoy delicious brews, fine wines and a perfectly prepared five-course meal as an age-old argument is finally settled. ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho has teamed up with Huss Brewing Company and Arizona Stronghold Winery to create a tasting showdown that's sure to please beer and wine lovers alike.

Following each course, a secret ballot vote will be held to determine the ultimate winner in the beer versus wine showdown. Indulge your palate with a special menu from executive chef Russell LaCasce, including Kauai Prawns in chili butter, crispy duck confit on toast, caramelia pot de crème and more. Each course is paired with a different Huss beer and Arizona Stronghold wine. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. and is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and can be made at 480.421.7997.